Nuns fight strip club near Ill. convent

Chicago nuns say they are keeping prospective employees at a soon-to-be strip club in their prayers despite the establishment's close proximity to their convent.

CHICAGO -- A group of nuns is ready to fight a new strip club adjacent to a Roman Catholic convent in suburban Stone Park.

Sister Marissonia Daltoe told the Chicago Sun-Times she's not only concerned about the morality of the club, but the legality of it, specifically whether it was built too close to the nuns’ property line.

“What are we trying to teach the children in the neighborhood?” Daltoe of the Missionary Sisters of Saint Charles Borromeo – Scalabrinians told the Sun-Times.

Read Nuns battle strip club in Stone Park on NBCChicago.com


The club, still under construction, is tentatively called “Get It” and will feature partially nude performers and alcohol, the Sun-Times reports. It sought approval from the town in 2010.

The convent, which includes a home for elderly and sick nuns and a place for young women to join the sisterhood, would sit adjacent to the club. The venue is less than two feet from the nuns’ property, which sits partially in Stone Park and partially in Melrose Park, according to the publication.

Daltoe said the town didn't officially notify them of the project, and Stone Park officials told the Sun-Times they sent notification letters to the wrong address because of an apparent Cook County error. The letters aren't required.

Town officials say they met all other legal requirements, though Mayor Beniamino Mazzulla told the paper he signed on to the deal only after a 2010 lawsuit against Stone Park by developers.

The owner of Get It told the Sun-Times he wants to be a good neighbor and will limit the light and noise from the club. He said the club will be a high-tech, high-class venue.

Another strip club sits down the street from the one still being built.

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Will you all still find it funny if we read in the news that the nuns are forcibly raped by drunk patrons from the strip club? Not saying it would happen, but I know if I were ill and retired, this is NOT what I would want built next to my home.

  • 2 votes
Reply#27 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:20 PM EST

And in a similar note, would you find it funny to read in the news YET AGAIN how an altar boy got raped by a priest? I don't see you (or anyone else) arguing to keep kids out of churches over such a posibility, even after all the cases already exposed.

  • 2 votes
#27.1 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:44 PM EST
Reply

I am not a prude but come on, was this deliberate? They knew the convent was there! Move the damn club. And this is NOT political. Come on what happened to common sense and get along with neighbors. This would make me mad as I have small grandchildren at my house all the time. I want our kids to be kids as long as they can. I sure don't want to expose small kids to this stuff at such a young age nor do I want to have to explain it to them when I am mad. Move the club! Leave the nuns alone.

    Reply#28 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:20 PM EST
    Reply

    Don't understand the need for strip clubs anymore. Guys can go on the Internet and see much much more. I never understood why men want to pay a woman to tease them. Men are such suckers.

    • 1 vote
    Reply#29 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:20 PM EST

    Yeah, but the strip club has real women right in front of you and no worries about your nagging wife walking in on you.

    • 1 vote
    #29.2 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 7:20 PM EST
    Reply

    God has moved those in need of ministry right next door to them. God is wise, go with that!

    • 1 vote
    Reply#30 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:21 PM EST

    I'm just saying but there is no such thing as a high class stripper a whorehouse is a whorehouse and a whore is a whore and crazy religious people are just crazy religious people

      Reply#31 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:21 PM EST

      I think you are missing the point! this isn't about a crazy Catholic Nun, this is about whether we should, as a society, allow strip clubs to be built near Churches, Schools, playgrounds, or any other place children might be! This area is not the best area, so the children that live here are poor, and they do not have the option of being protected against this kind of crap? They should have that option!

      Stip clubs should not be near kids!

      • 1 vote
      #31.1 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:43 PM EST

      Guess what - those kids that you're worried about probably see more T&A online and on TV than they would if a strip club were to be built near their school or playground. In reality, Planning and Zoning boards generally wouldn't allow an adult establishment like a bar or a strip club near a school or playground anyway.

        #31.2 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 7:23 PM EST

        Since when did this become an issue about kids? NOWHERE in the article does it mention kids! Nowhere in the article does it mention the club being built next to a school! The convent doesn't have a children's school in it!

        Can we PLEASE at least stick to the facts on this issue?

        • 1 vote
        #31.3 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 7:23 PM EST
        Reply

        The nuns are worried some of the nuns will moonlight.

        In reality it 's just a source of fresh nuns.

        the funny thing is Mary ,Jesus' friend wasn't so pure and she walked with the son of God

        • 1 vote
        Reply#32 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:21 PM EST
        Reply

        One might think the nuns "should" want the club next door so they could "save" all the sinners that go there...nothing like a life style that requires a specific type of people to make your choosen field survive, only to have them move in next door and bring you all the work you can handle.... not that I agree with the owner, or the city, or the nuns, just offering a different perspective....

        • 1 vote
        Reply#33 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:21 PM EST

        Generally building codes and zoning ordinances cover these things and normally zoning restrictions don't allow alcohol or adult entertainment near schools, but are less restrictive about other uses. If a zoning variance were required the notification to neighbors should be mandatory.

        • 1 vote
        Reply#34 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:23 PM EST

        I'm thinking four nuns in habit at a table at all times while the club is open ought to do the trick. Heck, they can't keep them out.

          Reply#35 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:23 PM EST

          Sure they can. "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone." Standard poilcy in any venue. Besides, they could be kicked out for disrupting business.

          • 2 votes
          #35.1 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:40 PM EST

          Legally not without basis or cause, and unless they were disruptive, other than in dress you would be treading dangerously close to a protected class. They can ban nuns no more than they can ban blacks, and I think you would be hard pressed to establish a dress code that would eliminate them without eliminating the rest of your customers. "It is against the law to deny service based on protected classes such as “race, color, religion, national origin, disability or sexual orientation." Not saying I agree with the law, just that it is the law. Of course, you can always throw them out anyway, but I would expect a civil lawsuit to follow.

            #35.2 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:50 PM EST

            YEAH!! good idea finn, nuns and strippers. I like it.

              #35.3 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 7:06 PM EST

              If I were a nun, I'd totally hang out there. I guess that's probably why I'm not a nun.

                #35.4 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 7:26 PM EST
                Reply

                Are we sure that if this was a synagogue or a mosque if the ACLU or another litigious organization would take up for the religious leaders in the same fashion? Maybe we need to think this through. Why are their rights to a Holy place any different from others?

                • 1 vote
                Reply#36 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:24 PM EST
                Reply

                Hey this is just God bringing the sinners closer to the church they should actually be happy and see it that way. You dont go out and try to convert the converted....

                  Reply#37 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:24 PM EST

                  If memory serves me right, within the last two decades it was found the Catholic Church was forced to sell THEIR "Gentlemens Clubs" in where else? CHICAGO.

                    Reply#38 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:25 PM EST

                    I am not involved with any religion, but I do not get these USA, who runs around in the world, and preaches religion, and tells other country which religion is good and which is bad, but I do not think this entire blog is funny at all!

                    As usual USA is so hypocritical. What is the reason for girls being treated that way anyway, I would hope we could come up to year 2012!

                      Reply#39 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:26 PM EST
                      Reply

                      I support the Nun's

                      Strip Clubs should not be near churches, schools, or any place where children might play. I spent a good deal of time, when I was a child, playing at our local Catholic Church playground. I remember feeling safe. I want that for the kids in Chicago! I do not know of many churches that do not have playgrounds, or activities for kids. In fact, I cannot think of one...

                      Chicago needs to protect their kids! Strip clubs attract unsavory people who often drink booze, take drugs... Why in the world would they allow something like that near a place where children would go? The people handing out business licenses in Chicago must have no moral values whatsoever!

                      • 1 vote
                      Reply#41 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:30 PM EST

                      Build a fence...

                      • 1 vote
                      #41.1 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:32 PM EST

                      A fence cannot protect children from sexual freaks, drugs, sex acts booze!

                      There is probably a zoning ordinance in place that is being violated!

                      • 1 vote
                      #41.2 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:36 PM EST

                      Call the police... And anything that goes on at a strip club, happens inside not outside. Every strip club ive ever seen, is VERY careful that nothing goes on outside their club. Because people like you would try to use it against them.

                      And they would not have gotten a permit, if it wasnt zoned for it.

                      • 1 vote
                      #41.3 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:37 PM EST

                      This is Chicago we are talking about!

                        #41.4 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:49 PM EST
                        Reply

                        As long as the establishment follows the local ordinances/laws and maintains safety and security, I don't see what the big deal is. It says right in the article that there is another strip club right down the street. If the inhabitants of the convent were so worried about who their next neighbor was going to be, they should have purchased the adjoining property themselves. God knows the Catholic Church has the $$!

                        • 3 votes
                        Reply#42 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:30 PM EST

                        I do not want nuns teaching their bigotry and intolerance to any children, thank you very much.. They shouldnt be allowed anywhere near children. And if you need to know why, just ask any Native children who suffered under their boot in their re-education schools.

                        Not only that, this strip club has as much right to be on their property, as the Church has being on theirs. You dont here the strip club whining theres a Church too close, do you.. This is just another example of religions intolerance and bigotry toward other people. And to be frank, im getting sick of hearing it from them.

                        • 5 votes
                        Reply#43 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:31 PM EST

                        I agree. The atrocities commited against the indigenous people of this country, and others, by the "christians" who came here uninvited, is well documented and far exceeds anything Hitler thought of in his darkest thoughts. In the southwest, the Spanish conquistadors , with the blessing of the church, had the policy of convert to christianity or die. The carlisle indian school in PA took children that had been forcibly removed from their homes and tried to eliminate anything of their culture. That's genocide. I could fill a book with examples of christian brutality. The christian religion is running a close second to the islamic religion when it comes to real evil.

                        • 2 votes
                        #43.1 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 7:05 PM EST
                        Reply

                        This really saddens me to see filth like this so close to our religious centers. I hold the politian's responsible ,who no doubt had there pockets generously lined for allowing such a place to open right next door ! Perhaps each one of our parishes could hold a quiet prayer service each night this establishment is in operation?? I think with 378 parishes in the chicago Arch diocese and almost 130 in the dioceses of Joliet we could make our voices know to both the corrupt politian's and to the tactless owner . Neither of which could have been thinking to clearly when they allowed this to happen...or has greed clouded there judgment?!!!!

                        • 1 vote
                        Reply#44 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:32 PM EST
                        Reply

                        According to the article, there is already another strip club down the street. It seems like it is too late to save the neighborhood. Perhaps the church should relocate their operation. I would think that a rural setting would be more appropriate.

                        • 2 votes
                        Reply#45 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:33 PM EST

                        This is what the world has come to? What happen to the morality that made this country the greatest, the world needs to start looking at its self and asking "What do we want are children to grow up seeing, hearing and most of all being." Do you want your child exposed to this on a daily bases or would you want the children exposed to the teachings of the nuns and the good people of the neighborhood. Remember it takes an entire neighborhood to raise one child, or would you rather have a strip club raise your child?

                        • 1 vote
                        Reply#46 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:34 PM EST

                        Children are not allowed in a strip club. And strip clubs arent allowed to have anything on display on the outside that might offend anyone. The children wont even know its a strip club, unless some adult tells them.

                        • 2 votes
                        #46.1 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:36 PM EST

                        "What do we want are children to grow up seeing, hearing and most of all being."

                        I'd prefer our kids not growing up listening to fairy tales about an invisible man living in the sky watching over them from a bunch of self-righteous old people who think being a good person requires pledging allegiance to an organisation that has hidden and protected pedophiles for decades. But then again, I tend to believe in logic and sensibility, which is anathema to religious dogma.

                        • 3 votes
                        #46.2 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:50 PM EST
                        Reply

                        Sisters, maybe you'd be able to actually help the sinners if you were cloistered away in your nunnery!!! Did Mother Theresa avoid living among the people she was helping?

                        • 2 votes
                        Reply#47 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:34 PM EST
                        Reply

                        Two more thoughts:

                        First, Betty: While you have some fair points, you forget that none of them are valid. This convent does not have a school or daycare; the article specifically states it only has a nursing home and a training place for prospective nuns. Also, there is no discussion concerning drunk patrons or criminals, just as there's no argument concerning pedophiles in habits or cassocks. Please keep to the facts, rather than branching out into fabricated "what-ifs".

                        Second, Red dead redemption3: Why is it that whenever there's an issue concerning a church or church-related issue, all we hear about is how the other side is disrespecting the church? How about the church respecting the rest of us and getting over the fact that some of us in the real world prefer not to live our lives in accordance with their particular religious dogma? This club is being built in accordance with the law. The owner has already been gracious in ensuring to take steps to limit the light and noise to prevent disruptions. These nuns should show some respect and thank him for his courtesy. They should also show the rest of us some respect and some HUMILITY (as required by their holy vows) and recognise that their faith does NOT give them special privelege to dictate who can build what where.

                        • 4 votes
                        Reply#48 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:35 PM EST

                        Just looked through the Cook County, Illinois zoning ordinances of which this area is an unincorporated village and subject to the county zoning. The strip club should only be allowed in C-4, General Commercial. The convent should be in R-8. Unless they're on a zone boundary, the nuns may have a valid complaint. Zoning variances are normally required to solicit input from from affected neighbors.

                        • 1 vote
                        #48.1 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:53 PM EST

                        A possibility, I'll grant you, but that's not the agrument being made.

                        1. The nuns are arguing about the place being built 2 FEET from their property line, which is irrelevant since their property isn't being infringed upon.

                        2. The club owner would have had to file a permit in order to build the place, which obviously got approved. The city officials have already stated the club met all legal requirements. That would include zoning issues.

                        • 1 vote
                        #48.2 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 7:06 PM EST
                        Reply

                        For all of you who are on the side of the convent and are also talking about schools, daycares and churches you have obviously never been to stone park IL. It is a town of about 1 square mile in area that has 5 am liquor liscenses for bars and liquor stores. there are multiple adult book stores and strip clubs in the town. Not one other down the street but probably 8 in the small area. all the other operating buisnesses are liquor stores and bars. it is surrounded by the industrial parks of the west side of chicago. In short the town is terrible. No one who knows this town is surprised there is another strip club going in. Most would be wondering when did they build a convent here and who thought that was a good idea.

                        • 2 votes
                        Reply#49 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:37 PM EST

                        Oh how nice, a "high class" strip club...is that even possible?

                          Reply#50 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:38 PM EST
                          Reply

                          This is the way it works.

                          Strip Club Pays Taxes This is the 1%

                          Nuns Pay no taxes This is the 99%

                            Reply#51 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:41 PM EST

                            You got it backwards... The 1% pays 15%, everyone else 30%+

                            • 2 votes
                            #51.1 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:49 PM EST
                            Reply

                            I think the whole world has gone insane.

                            • 2 votes
                            Reply#52 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:41 PM EST

                            No, the world has finally had enough of the status quo. Its time for change. BIG change. And nobody cares who doesnt like it.

                            • 1 vote
                            #52.1 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:52 PM EST

                            so funny

                              #52.2 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:55 PM EST

                              O'k my, so funny was met for sercretsign not freedom4everyone, though i believe that is true, yet you still need to consider your neighbor, and the strip joint had no consideration for his neighbor, he could of located instead of two feet, maybe fifty feet, this man is only looking out for himself.

                                #52.3 - Wed Feb 8, 2012 7:31 PM EST
                                Reply
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